Automotive

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Should “Nose” Out The Competition

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Should “Nose” Out The Competition Have you ever looked across a crowded room and said to yourself, “Wow, he or she sure is hot . . . except for that nose!” Yeah, well, the new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is like that. It works from a whole bunch of different angles, but the entire grille treatment is way off.
Specifically, the radiator aperture, the opening, is way too big and out of proportion with the rest of the car. Sure, I understand there are thermodynamic concerns here (i.e. this thing has to put out a ton of heat and has cooling needs slightly less than Chernobyl on a bad day) but the people from Gaydon could have finessed that a little better.
Team Effort
Or, let’s set the dead fish where it belongs, at the Milanese drafting tables of Superleggera, the Italian design maestros that sculpted the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Superleggera, the Italian auto design firm famed for their work on early Ferraris, Alfas, Lancias and such, were tapped by the venerable Aston Martin to have a tilt at a sort of hot-rodded DBS, and the result is pretty fantastic.
Apart from that nose.
Of course this is not the first time AM and Superleggera have worked together, having collaborated on the DB4, 5, and 6 Mark 1. The new DBS Superleggera is clothed in impeccably sculpted carbon fiber body panels. Gone are the days of the Italian firm using ultra-thin aluminum alloy body panels, hand beaten into shape and then suspended over the spaceframe chassis with a multitude of teeny, tiny little tubes to hold the entire thing up.
Nah, time marches on, and as cool and old school as that was, molding even lighter body panels out of composites is a much better way to go.
The front grille of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera consists of a honeycomb design; the automaker says they took inspiration from how honeycombs are so often found in nature. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Power & Performance
All this new tech adds up to a dry weight of 1693kg (around 3,700 lbs.) and tips the weights and measures with a 51:49 weight distribution. In other words, just a little nose heavy. Which sort of follows, given that the DBS Superleggera is powered by Aston Martin’s 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, cranking out 725PS and 900Nm of torque. That translates as 715 ponies and around 660 lb-ft. of grunt.
All this veddy British goodness rides on your choice of two alloy wheels: the standard “Y” Spoke Forged Wheel or the Lightweight Twin Spoke Forged Wheel. Both are mounted with Pirelli tires.
Add all that up and the DBS Superleggera dispatches a zero to 62 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, hits 100 mph in 6.4 seconds, and tops out at 211 mph. Aston further mentions this beast of a ride has enough mid-range power to accelerate from 50 to 100 mph in 4.2 seconds. In fourth gear. Impressive.
With an F1-inspired double-diffuser, the DBS Superleggera generates 180kg of downforce at VMAX, the highest figure ever for a series production Aston Martin. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Transmission, Chassis & Technology
Speaking of gears, the DBS Superleggera uses a new, rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic/mechanical limited-slip differential with torque vectoring. Yes, the DBS Superleggera is rear-wheel drive only. The chassis itself is the latest generation of the lightweight bonded aluminum structures first seen on Aston’s DB11. There’s forged double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system at the back. Adaptive damping is standard, and both the powertrain and chassis offer three dynamic modes; GT, Sport, and Sport Plus.
And although the Superleggera aims to be “Super Light” as the name implies, it does not scrimp on the goodies. Keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system, a 360-degree camera, and Park Assist are in the mix. The stereo has DAB plus Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, and iPod, iPhone, and USB playback.
The satellite navigation system is fully integrated; the WiFi hub, plus all the in-car infotainment systems use a central LCD screen, controlled via a dial.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Pricing & Availability
Prices start at $304,995 in the USA with deliveries expected to begin this fall.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Review

2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Review If you think Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have the market on the full-size luxury segment, Lexus is making a bold statement with the LS 500. When Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda said he wanted to change the Lexus culture, he wasn’t kidding. The LS 500 says Europe doesn’t have a lock on world-class luxury any longer.
What’s New For 2018
The Lexus LS 500 is redesigned and all-new for 2018. The new, fifth-generation LS 500 is longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, the LS 460, and with a new coupe-like profile, it looks slimmer and sportier. A new suspension design yields sportier handling.
Features & Options
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 ($81,000) comes standard with 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, LED headlights, a sunroof, a hands-free trunk, power-closing doors, leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, magnesium paddle shifters, 16-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade.
Technology features include a 12.3-inch color display, navigation, a trackpad-style interface, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Lexus Enform smartphone app integration, Enform emergency and convenience services, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker audio system. Safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers.
The optional F Sport package ($9,700) on this tester added 20-inch wheels, larger brakes, a re-tuned suspension, unique styling elements, exclusive leather upholstery, and 28-way power-adjustable seats.
The Safety System+ A package ($3,000) adds adaptive cruise and automatic steering that can detect and “trace” the path of the vehicle in front, forward cross-traffic alert, road sign recognition, and a panoramic rearview monitor.
Other options included a premium 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system ($1,940), an enhanced heads-up display ($1,220), adaptive air suspension ($1,500), a panoramic rearview monitor ($600), and a panoramic sunroof ($1,000).
Total MSRP including destination: $101,575.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside reveals a roomy, luxurious, and comfortable place to spend time. We played with the 28-way power-adjustable seats for 20 minutes getting them set just right for our week-long drive. The 2018 LS 500 gets stretched with a longer wheelbase, giving passengers more legroom than the outgoing model. Four passengers will fit comfortably for long distances even with the raked roofline, which makes the sedan look smaller than it is.
Extravagance abounds in the new LS cabin, from the dark hardwoods and aluminum trim on the dash, to the ambient lighting and quilted seat fabric. The door panels even feature curved stitching, finished with free-floating door handles and armrests. The large central display screen is beautiful and we think the optional Mark Levinson premium sound system is worth the cost.
The F Sport gets heavily sculptured seats that kept us firmly in place as we tossed the big sedan around mountain curves. In the back, rear passengers will need to duck to get in, but the reclining seats helped our guests sink in and enjoy the ride. The rear seats are perfect for two adults or three kids. We noticed the air suspension raising the car more than an inch making for easier entry/exit.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The LS 500’s all-new turbocharged V6 delivers more power than the outgoing model (416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque) and comes mated with a quick-shifting, 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard; all-wheel drive is optional.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 19/30 city/highway and 23 combined for rear-wheel drive models. By comparison, all-wheel drive models are 18/27 city/highway and 21 combined.
Driving Dynamics
From behind the driver’s seat, the LS 500 doesn’t feel as big as it really is. The sedan feels like a much smaller sports car. We pushed the pedal down and the 416 horsepower V6 came to life, sounding more like a V8 than anything. The newly-upgraded engine’s power and low-end thrust kept us entertained and never left us wanting more the whole week as we pushed it hard in the high-altitude west of Denver.
The 10-speed sequential automatic transmission’s gear shifts are smooth and imperceptible, and the two work well together. If you want a sporty ride, opt for the F Sport’s adaptive air suspension setup. We tossed the big sedan around tight mountain corners, and experienced very little body lean.
On the open road, the air suspension’s ride is buttery smooth and road noise is kept to a minimum inside the comfy cabin. Road manners are excellent, overall, with the adaptive setup, and the active rear-wheel steering on the F Sport reduces the turning circle, easing maneuverability in the city and into tight parking spots.
Conclusion
The air-suspension’s ride and quiet, luxurious interior are made to pamper drivers and passengers. The F Sport delivers a sportier experience for driving enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds. The 2018 Lexus LS 500 promises extra comfort, plenty of storage space, lots of luxury, the latest safety equipment, and a sizable helping of technology and performance.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Gallery

Lexus LS 500 Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Target Germany?

Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Target Germany?

Jag states, right up front: “New Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sits at the pinnacle of performance sedans, with a thrilling mix of explosive power, dynamic agility, and all-wheel drive traction.” And I swear I could hear the engine roars and the howls of contempt from Stuttgart, Affalterbach, and Ingolstadt all the way out here in the middle of the desert.
Special Vehicle Operations
The XE SV Project 8 is Jag’s new hot performance sedan, and also the Coventry firm’s first foray with its new Special Vehicle Operations skunk-works to start encroaching into territory now occupied by the likes of AMG or BMW’s M Division and the like. I’m not saying Jaguar can’t do it, even when it comes to sedans. Jag did some impressive stuff with Mark 2s and Mark Xs (just ask the Kray twins or any other British hoods from back in the day), but that was when “Ferry Cross The Mersey” was a hit. And since then, when it comes to big, fast, nasty performance sedans, it’s all been pretty much going the German’s way.
To counter that, Jaguar has given their Special Vehicle Operations more or less free reign to produce the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sedan, a 592 horsepower, 200 mph beast of a car that Coventry says is “the most powerful, agile, and extreme performance Jaguar road car ever produced.” Which is saying a lot if you consider that Jag made cars like the XJ220.
The XE SV Project 8 sedan follows, more or less, in the footsteps of Jag’s F-TYPE Project 7 of 2014. The XE SV Project 8 is the second Collector’s Edition ride done up by SVO and is a hand-built, four-door sedan designed to kick butt, take names, and all that. Jaguar will make no more than 300 versions of the car globally, so it will be rare too.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 utilizes torque vectoring control via the braking system to minimize understeer by independently braking inside wheels during cornering. It works with the Electronic Active Differential to precisely control torque delivery to the rear wheels. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Power & Performance
About that engine that is going to motivate the XE SV down to the pub? It would be the most powerful version of Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with a Titanium Variable Active Exhaust. The mill is hooked up to a re-calibrated version of the brand’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission and thence to a standard all-wheel drive system that can deliver a 200 mph top speed and a 0 to 60 time of 3.3 seconds. That makes the Project 8 the fastest accelerating Jaguar. Not just the quickest Jag sedan, the quickest Jaguar, period.
There’s a slew of lightweight and go-fast goodies appended to the Project 8. There’s a carbon fiber bumper with enhanced cooling ducts, a vented carbon fiber hood, and flared bodywork. The underbody is flat, there’s a rear diffuser, and the rear bumper is made from carbon fiber. The wheels are big 20-inch forged aluminum alloy bits and the front splitter is adjustable as is the rear aerodynamic wing. I love how Jag calls it an “aerodynamic wing.” I’m not sure whether that’s a sly British understatement and dig at other “wings” or not.
Carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the Project 8, for a total weight of 3,847 lbs. (1,745kg). Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Suspension, Steering & Braking
The suspension is a double-wishbone up front and Integral Link at the rear. The suspension components are stiffer (natch), there are new knuckles, the coil springs are adjustable, and the shocks are continuously variable. Jaguar’s setup allows the ride height to drop by 0.6-inches. Stopping power comes courtesy of a new carbon ceramic braking system, with Formula 1-style silicon nitride ceramic wheel bearings. Ceramic bearings used in this way is a first for Jaguar Land Rover road cars.
The Project 8 is the first Jaguar with a dedicated Track Mode that tweaks the driveline and stability control systems for circuit use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for better precision and driver feedback. The Project 8 features height-adjustable spring platforms with motorsport-specification coil springs and aluminum-bodied Continuously Variable Dampers, with a choice of two ride heights: standard for road and -15mm for track use.
Jaguar’s Project 8 introduces an Electronic Active Differential (EAD) for the first time on the XE, which works with the Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system to precisely manage torque delivery to each of the rear wheels. In conjunction with enhanced large diameter front and rear driveshafts, the EAD is designed to distribute power and traction in varying situations. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Interior Treatments
The interior is all tarted up with go fast goodies, or at least trim, as well. There’s Gloss Carbon Fiber trim here and there and Alcantara on the steering wheel, instrument, and door panels. That eight-speed Quickshift transmission can be actuated by aluminum paddle shifters or by the central “Pistolshift” lever. Jaguar says that “Pistolshift” lever is another first, but not if you’ve driven around Mopar products from the 1960s. Nice try chaps.
For us, the Project 8 is available exclusively as a four-seat model, with Jag’s latest front performance seats featuring magnesium frames and a more heavily contoured rear seat cushion for better support. In most global markets there’s an optional two-seat Track Pack with lightweight front carbon fiber racing seats and four-point harnesses fixed to a retention hoop in place of the rear seat. But not for us! Oh no. We Americans can’t have nice things, it seems. All Project 8 models will be built in left-hand drive configuration only, but that doesn’t really balance out that we don’t get the two-seater if you ask me.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 endured extensive testing at tracks like Nardo and the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The initiative was the most track-biased program SVO has ever carried out. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Comparing & Contrasting
Jaguar doesn’t mention the price of the XE SV Project 8, but you can bet it’ll cost more than a packet. So start saving now. When it does hit the streets, it will be interesting to see how the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 stacks up against the more sporty offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi – not to mention Lexus and Acura. It doesn’t seem to be a direct competitor, since it will be limited run, and not really a series production version. Still, a comparison test is (or should be) in order.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD Review

2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD Review

The Toyota Highlander looks like it could tackle some rough terrain, but it’s better suited for a family’s rough use. The SE V6 FWD model we tested is good for city commutes and family hauling. Families looking for versatility, comfort, practicality, and three-row seating need to check out the 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD.
We recently took it for a lengthy test drive.
What’s New For 2017
The 2017 Toyota Highlander gets a number of mid-cycle changes like a new grille, redesigned LED taillights, a new V6 engine with more power and better fuel economy, along with an eight-speed transmission and an automatic stop-start system. New features include the Toyota Safety Sense technology suite, which comes standard on every trim level. When we tested the new SE trim, we found the retuned suspension made for sharper handling.
Features & Options
The 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD ($39,690) comes standard with keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, an upgraded instrument panel, leather seats, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, captains chairs (second-row), second-row window sunshades, backup camera, and navigation.
The new SE trim also gets LED running lights, sport-themed styling elements, the aforementioned suspension tuning, 19-inch wheels, and a sporty interior theme. Our tester came with the optional Rear-Seat Entertainment system ($1,810). Total MSRP including destination: $42,440.

Interior Highlights
The interior of the SE trim is sportier than other models and the leather seats are extra comfy for long trips. The cabin of this crossover is more car/minivan-like which is perfect for growing families on the go. The navigation system features a large touchscreen, with many of the functions using real buttons which we like. It’s got plenty of creature comforts inside like second row window shades, heated front seats, and of course the DVD system to keep the kids entertained on those longer trips.
Visibility is excellent in the Highlander, thanks to a larger rear-quarter window and strategically positioned pillars. The new 2017 Toyota Highlander SE comes standard twin reclining captains chairs that can be pushed back for maximum legroom. We carried two large passengers this week who were lounging in the back on the way to the restaurant and nearly fell asleep!
As is true of most competitors, the first and second rows provide copious room for adult occupants. The third row is squishier than that of the Honda Pilot despite having three seat belts — only small kids are likely to fit three abreast back there. The third row works well for smaller kids and access is easy with the captains chairs. Cargo space totals 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, and there’s plenty of versatility for busy families with a maximum of 83.7 cubic feet, with the seats folded flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is new, boasting more power and better fuel economy. The new power plant makes an impressive 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and features an automatic stop-start system to save fuel. Fuel economy estimates come in at 21/27 city/highway mpg and 23 combined.
Driving Dynamics
The Highlander’s engine provides impressive acceleration, and the new V6 works well in tandem with the gearbox. The new eight-speed automatic is smooth and reasonably responsive. It didn’t seem to hunt for the right gear as we pushed it hard uphill in the mountains west of Denver.
The Highlander feels bigger than some competitors when behind the wheel, so tighter parking maneuvers may feel hairy in the city. It has nice-and-easy steering for parking lots, though, and indeed this is a very easy SUV to drive in general. One of the Highlander’s best qualities is its ride comfort. This crossover is highly isolated and confident without feeling like a floating barge. Few if any road irregularities intrude.
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota Highlander SE V6 offers a big, comfortable cabin with seating for 7 to 8. It offers a quiet ride with the performance and driving dynamics of a crossover. Yet, it also provides the versatility and fuel mileage of a wagon. The Highlander provides a sweet spot between an SUV and a crossover/wagon/minivan type vehicle. As a complete package, the Highlander is hard to beat for growing families with active lifestyles. For families looking for little bit of everything, the Highlander SE V6 is a winning ticket.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Highlander SE Gallery

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2017 Toyota Highlander Official Site
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids

Report: Maserati to drop sports cars for now, focus on crossovers, EVs, and hybrids Sports cars might be absent from Maserati’s lineup for a couple of years as they focus on things that sell, crossovers and sedans.

What’s going on?
Things are going a bit rough at Maserati as they still struggle to meet sales goals. Hopefully, the introduction and launch of the new Levante crossover changes that. Though because of this, Maserati is preparing support a lineup without any sports cars for a couple of years, focusing on crossovers and sedans.
This means replacements for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will be on the back-burner until around 2019 or 2020. Production is slated to end in 2017.
What’s left?
While sports cars drop down on the priority list, crossovers and sedans rise, or basically, the cars that sell and turn a profit. Once production for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio end, that leaves the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte.
Should you fear absolutely not. They will return, it will just be a while.
Does this mean the Alfieri is also delayed?

Ah yes, the beautiful Alfieri. Unfortunately, that’s a future sports car for Maserati so yes, that will be delayed as well. But Maserati promises it will come and it’s just in a “holding pattern,” according to CEO Reid Bigland.
We can expect some all-electric Maseratis as well. The company continues to investigate hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and 48-volt EV powertrains, accoriding to managing director of Maserati Europe, Giulio Pastore.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: CAR Magazine
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Buick continues to break out of its "old people's car reputation" even further with an enthusiasts' calling.

Buick continues to break out of its "old people's car reputation" even further with an enthusiasts' calling. Buick continues to break out of its “old people’s car reputation” even further with an enthusiasts’ calling.

What’s going on?
Buick was once an automaker that you’d least expect to producing anything even remotely resembling the characteristic, “sporty.” But GM’s Tri-Shield is hard at work to make sure we forget about those yawntastic yonder years of Buick. Helping to break this reputation is the hot and all-new, 2018 Buick Regal GS.
At a specially arranged media event in Michigan for the standard Regal and Regal TourX, Buick decided to surprise its media guests with the revealing of the highly-anticipated performance variant. It succeeds the previous Regal GS with the handsome new body of the latest Regal, along with not four-, but six naturally-aspirated cylinders and all-wheel drive as standard.
Now THAT’S a Buick!

We’d agree! The latest Buick Regal already teased our appetites with its beautiful redesign and new packaging. The performance-oriented Regal GS hooks us even more since it’s something we didn’t think they’d really do. The last Regal GS, although a valiant effort, felt unfinished and incomplete because of its wheezy, turbocharged four. Now that’s addressed, the latest Regal GS has our attention very much.
What’s it powered by?
Gone is that gutless turbocharged four, and in is GM’s familiar 3.6L V6 with 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque, with cylinder deactivation and automatic stop/start. Channeling that power to the twin-clutch all-wheel drive system is a new nine-speed automatic.
It’s not just more power either
Helping in the handling department is an all-new five-way multi-link rear axle and MacPherson struts up front, assisted by GS-equipped Continuous Damping Control, or active suspension. When enabled in GS or Sport modes, Buick says it can adjust the shocks up to 500 times per second. Shaving off that power are Brembo brakes once again, wrapped in 19-inch wheels.
There’s also a sport-tuned exhaust, sporty interior an exterior bits like a flat-bottomed steering wheel and medal foot pedals. And of course, you can expect the usual suite of active and passive safety systems as found in the standard Regal. Other optional bits include 4G LTE WiFi hotspot connectivity, OnStar, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a heads-up display, and more.
Did we mention there’s a wagon variant too?
In another move that seems to be an enthusiast calling, Buick will offer the Regal GS in its Sportback wagon form as well. That will launch later this year, in limited availability.
How much will it cost?
Buick didn’t announce the pricing for the GS model as of yet. We expect that to surface closer to sale launch date
– By: Chris Chin
2018 Buick Regal GS Gallery

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Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody: Muscle For Days

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody: Muscle For Days

With the addition of the Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody to Dodge’s new age muscle car lineup, the roster is now complete. Yes, there is a Hellcat Widebody, in case the run of the mill Hellcat, a car that looks like it will literally eat children for lunch, is just too subtle for your tastes.
Dodge states this right up front: “U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $71,495 (including gas guzzler tax).” And I just love how they have the need to say the price includes the gas guzzler fee. What, you thought you were buying a Prius?
Pro Grip
The Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is an SRT Hellcat with the same flared body treatment found on the “straitjacket included at no extra charge” SRT Demon. The wider fender flares add 3.5 inches to the SRT Hellcat’s overall width. And yes, they are there for a very sound engineering reason. Said flares are there to cover the new 20 x 11-inch “Devil’s Rim” split-five spoke aluminum wheels carrying new, wider 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires. These are, to use the parlance of the muscle car set: Boss Meats.
And you might be tempted to say putting tires with a contact patch the size of a fat guy’s thighs is excessive, but you would be wrong, oh so wrong. This new Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody brings better lap times, better lateral grip, better acceleration, and better braking versus the “normal” Hellcat. The road course lap time dropped by 2 seconds per lap on a 1.7-mile track. The ET in the quarter dropped by .3 seconds, giving the widebody a 10.9 ET vs. 11.2 ET when compared to the standard Hellcat. Lateral G’s? Up by .04 g for .97 g versus .93 g in standard Hellcat. Even the 0 to 60 time dropped .1 seconds – you now hit freeway speed in 3.4 seconds. Top speed? 195 big ones, kiddo.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody features a new standard electric power steering (EPS) system – a first for Hellcat. The system uses SRT Drive Modes with selectable settings for Street (Auto), Sport and Track. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Aerodynamics & Braking
On top of the ginormous flares, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody carries a batch of exterior styling cues you’d expect to see. There’s a power-bulge aluminum hood with center intake and dual heat extractors that bear more than a passing resemblance to Dan Gurney’s AAR Cuda’s. There are exclusive illuminated “Air-Catcher” headlamps that stuff air directly into the intake and engine bay through the center of the parking lamps. Speaking of the headlights, the quad projector headlamps have aggressive brow “chops” to “exude a sinister look,” as Dodge puts it.
The front splitter, which is shared with the Demon, and rear spoiler, taken from the “normal” Hellcat, work in aerodynamic sync. There’s also the Hellcat-exclusive grille and fender badges with a raised SRT Hellcat badge on the rear spoiler. Wanna stop? You can, thanks to a standard Brembo braking system with two-piece 15.4-inch rotors and six-piston front calipers. And take it from one who knows, this is a huge improvement versus how Mopars used to stop back in the day.
Before the new SRT Demon was introduced, the supercharged Hellcat HEMI was the most powerful passenger car engine ever produced by FCA US, making the Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcats the most powerful and fastest coupe and sedan ever. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Power & Performance
The 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 in the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody cranks out 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of stump-pulling torque, same as the other Hellcats. Said mill can be paired to either the Tremec six-speed manual transmission or the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. It should also be noted the plant features all the additional cooling measures from the non-wide Hellcat, including a low-temperature circuit with two air/coolant heat exchangers unified with the supercharger housing. Air temperatures are miraculously kept below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, all while the blower is pushing a stunning 30,000 liters of air per minute.
“Our brand, engineering, and design teams poured a ton of effort into making the new SRT Demon the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car, so now we’re leveraging that know-how, and some of those vital elements and transferring them to the new Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody for improved performance on the street and a bolder, more aggressive new look,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody. Photo: FCA US LLC.
What’s In A Name
And, honestly, ignore what he said and focus only on the fact that those words were uttered by a guy named Tim Kuniskis. Kuniskis. Now there is the name I want attached to my American factory hot rods. Tell me Tim Kuniskis isn’t from Ypsilanti or Hamtramck or some such environ. Tell me young Tim Kuniskis didn’t get yelled at by two or three huge aunts, in Polish, for that time he chucked a kielbasa at Uncle Stanislaus during Whit Sunday dinner when he was five. Tim Kuniskis is the kind of guy that should be working on cars like the Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, not somebody with 5 Ph.Ds. from Vienna Polytechnic. Tim Kuniskis is a guy that understands, most likely intuitively, that American performance cars are about engines, tires, and traction: in that order. Guys like Tim Kuniskis is why the Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is amazing.
If you want and can afford one, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is open for dealer orders now. It will start showing up this fall.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2018 Honda Fit Reporting For Duty

2018 Honda Fit Reporting For Duty

The 2018 Honda Fit, dubbed as “sporty and versatile” by the automaker, arrived at dealerships this earlier week. With a starting MSRP of $16,190, the vehicle is sure to find an ideal niche in budget-minded car shoppers who need to get around town, but want extra goodies.
For 2018, Honda added a Sport trim and two new exterior colors, Helios Yellow and Orange Fury.
Simple & Stylish
Honda promotes the Fit with a certain level of simplicity and straightforwardness. “The refresh of the third generation Honda Fit enhances the 5-door subcompact’s already best-in-class combination of passenger space, fuel efficiency, sophistication, practicality, and affordability,” reads a press release from the automaker.
Initially, it may seem difficult to get jazzed about a subcompact cruiser, but the 2018 Honda Fit is anything but dull. The new Fit Sport is of particular example, gaining style and attitude points with an aero-form front spoiler, rear diffuser, bright orange pin-striping, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with gloss-black finish. The chrome exhaust-pipe finisher and side sill garnishes make for nice touches too; inside, the Sport features a black interior with orange contrast stitching. EX-L trim levels will treat drivers to an available sunroof.
2018 Honda Fit Sport. Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Honda Fit has enough power to scoot drivers and passengers around town too. A 1.5L DOHC direct-injected 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with Variable Cam Timing creates 130 horsepower (6,800 rpm) and 114 lb-ft. of torque (4,600 rpm). Honda focused on driving dynamics especially for 2018, implementing refinements across the suspension, steering, and body. One of the best improvements comes in the comfort category: Honda worked to reduce cabin noise with better transmission and steering mounting hardware, acoustic-laminated glass, and more insulation overall throughout the vehicle.
2018 Honda Fit EX-L. Photo: Honda North America.

Safety & Security
When it comes to safety, Honda packed the 2018 Fit accordingly. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features is available on all 2018 Fit models. It’s standard on EX and above trims, a first for the Fit. The suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.
Availability & Manufacturing
The 2018 Honda Fit is available now – we’ve included a handy info chart below. We think the new Fit is a stylish, safe, and affordable daily driver. The 2018 Honda Fit for the U.S. market is manufactured in North America at Honda’s Celaya, Mexico plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Honda Fit Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Model
Transmission
MSRP
EPA Rating
City/Hwy/Combined MPG
Fit LX
6-Speed Manual
$16,190
29 / 36 / 31
Fit LX
CVT3
$16,990
33 / 40 / 36
Fit LX with Honda Sensing®
CVT
$17,990
33 / 40 / 36
Fit Sport
6-Speed Manual
$17,500
29 / 36 / 31
Fit Sport
CVT
$18,300
31 / 36 / 33
Fit Sport with Honda Sensing®
CVT
$19,300
31 / 36 / 33
Fit EX
6-Speed Manual
$18,160
29 / 36 / 31
Fit EX
CVT
$18,960
31 / 36 / 33
Fit EX-L
CVT
$20,520
31 / 36 / 33
Fit EX-L with Navi
CVT
$21,520
31 / 36 / 33
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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